First TWO weeks of December

Our first TWO weeks of December have been seriously busy ones!

We've been deep into Christmas Festivities.

Two weeks, Two Birthday's, 4 Concerts, & 4 trips to see Lights.

Two Eye appointments, School Play Tryouts, Christmas Shopping, etc... 

This is NOT my life!  Where did my slow paced, easy going life go?

I hope this is not a sign of things to come.  

Of coarse, when you think about it, most of these activities, have been fun, party ish, activities!

And so it begins.... 

December 1st, is Elle's Birthday.  And this cute girl turned SEVEN!

Grandma and Grandpa came over the night before, and we had Cake and Ice Cream and opened her presents.  The plan was to go Rollerskating the next night, on Monday night for Elle's Birthday and Family night.  But when we got to the Rink, it would be closing in an hour for a Private Party!  What?  Elle was crushed.  So they let us in for 1 hour of Free skating, and then we ended up at Cracker Barrel for dinner and shopping.  All in all, not a bad 7th Birthday at all.

Ruby, playing with one of Elle's Birthday Presents.  A desk top Drum Set.

They are small, but sound so cool.

Thursday, December 4th, took us to The "Festival of Trees"!

Bree was performing with her school Choir.

She rode the bus down, walked around with friends, ate lunch, and then the rest of our little family met her there, and she got to come home with us.  

They were amazing, and performed all 10 of their songs!  

Way to go Bobcat Beat!

Of course, we stayed and played at the Festival of Trees, before coming home.  

The girls were put into giant Bubbles, wrote and mailed letters to Santa, and we walked around looking at all of the amazing Tree's Wreath's, Quilts, and Gingerbread Houses.

Two days later, on Saturday December 6th, we met the Belnap Family at Ligori's for Pizza, and then headed down to the Ogden Village and Lights!  This is one of my favorite things to do all year.  We go every year, and it's become one of my favorite traditions.  Everything is so Magical!!  And my little family usually stays long after everyone else goes home, so we can cover every square foot.  Love it love it love it!! 

Two days later on Dec. 8th, Bree had School Play Tryouts!  They are doing Peter Pan Jr. this year.  And Bree just found out that she'll be in the Mermaid and Fairy Chorus'!  

Way to go BREE!

And the very next day, December 9th, Bree performed another Choir Concert down at a huge Retirement home about 2 miles from our house here in Layton.  The kids did great.

Two days later, on December 11th, was Bree's Choir Performance at her Elementary School, for all who wanted to come.  Families, parents, siblings, and grandparents.  

 Grandma and Grandpa Belnap came to see Bree.  

And I've gotta say, she did an amazing job!  :)

The very next day, December 12th, was Chris' Birthday.  And I was able to get tickets to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert!  They are always Fantastic, and this year, did not disappoint!  

It was kind of Chris Birthday present I guess too.

This year they lowered the age to 5yrs and up, because the Sesame Street Muppets were performing, and also, Santino Fontana, who did the voice for Prince Hans, in the Disney movie Frozen!

We were a bit sad that Ruby had to stay home with Granny B, but it was a night to remember!  

On our way to the concert, we had a bit of a walk through SLC from our reserved parking.  We passed the Christmas Window displays at Macey's.  They had huge Christmas Ornaments made out of millions of tiny pieces of candy.  Candies and Licorice!  The more you looked at them, the more amazed you became!  A real treat!

Our first view of the Temple!

We were in our seats, early!  We were seated in the top balcony, but got seats in the front row!

 

Granny B had mentioned that Big Bird was supposed to be here, and Elle couldn't wait for the show to start!

The girls Music Teacher at school, and a member of our home Ward, Mrs. Rawson is in the Tabernacle Choir.  The girls had fun looking for her on the big screens! 

She is he 2nd from the left in this picture.  

Everytime the Muppets were on, the girls would squeal with excitement!  

Elle especially LOVED Big Bird, and asked if he could some live with us :)

Big Bird leading the Choir and Orchestra. 

We had so much fun, that the girls were exhausted!  They zonked in the car on the way home!

Happy Birthday Chris!  

Then Sunday December 14th, Chris' Mom and brother Mark came over for Dinner.  

Even though it's an hour drive, they didn't hesitate when we asked them.  

After a super yummy dinner of Honey Baked Ham, and Cheesy Potatoes, we drove down to walk through the Layton City Lights.

And just last night, we finally made it down to Station Park in Farmington to visit

Santa Clause!  

Station Park has now become our new Family Christmas Tradition!

They have the most beautiful (30ft I think) Tree, Santa's Castle, Outdoor Ice Skating Rink, and Fountains, that have lights, and dance to Music, just on a smaller scale than the Bellagio in Las Vegas.  We also ate at Johnny Rockets!  Best Burger and Onion Rings I've had in a long time.

There is so much shopping and dining at Station Park, that I just might have to go back after Christmas! 

It's been a whirlwind first two weeks in December this year!  

We've been out playing almost every other day.  

And yesterday, Chris and I finished all of our Christmas Shopping! 

Now it's time to sit back, relax, break out a puzzle, make some yummy food, enjoy our beautiful Christmas Tree, and enjoy the week and a half until Santa comes.

Only 2 more things on the schedule before Christmas..... the Jorgensen Christmas Party, and my parents coming over for dinner.

What a fun time of year!